The document is a newspaper from Fort Meade published on November 1, 2012. The main stories are: 1) Fort Meade experienced minor damage from Hurricane Sandy, including some downed trees and power outages that were quickly repaired. A bridge on post was also closed due to flooding. 2) An employment town hall was held with over 450 people to learn about job opportunities at Fort Meade agencies, such as the NSA and DIA, which were discussing hiring needs and application processes. 3) Guidelines are provided allowing federal employees to take limited time off from work to vote in elections.

1. Soundoff!
vol. 64 no. 44 Published in the interest of the Fort Meade community November 1, 2012
´
fort meade’s finest
photo by Staff SGt. Sean K. Harp
Flag detail commander Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar, of the Defense Information School’s Air Force Student Detachment, departs the flagpole on McGlachlin Parade
Field after completing Retreat. The flagstaff detail braved the rain and strong winds of Hurricane Sandy on Monday to accomplish their duty to retire the colors, signaling
the end of the duty day. For more, see Page 3.
fist fight Halloween UPCOMING EVENTS
Meade Soldier Costume party, Friday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Latin Club Night - Club Meade
balances boxing, 5K run add zest to Saturday, 10:30 a.m.: Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon - Club Meade
annual harvest holiday Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: OSC Annual Holiday Bazaar - McGill Training Center
military service
Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: OSC Annual Holiday Bazaar - McGill Training Center
page 14 page 12 Nov. 8, 3 p.m.: Veterans Day Observance - Fort Meade Museum

2. Commander’s Column
Soundoff!
Shining despite the
´
Editorial Staff Guaranteed circulation:
Garrison Commander 11,285
Col. Edward C. Rothstein
dark storm clouds
Garrison Command
Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Latter
Public Affairs Officer
Chad T. Jones
Chad.T.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Chief, Command Information Talk about weathering a storm. to ensure work-
Philip H. Jones As Hurricane Sandy moved up the East Coast on ers remain safe
Philip.H.Jones.civ@mail.mil
Assistant Editor & Senior Writer Sunday and forecasts about its impact in our region and are able to
Rona S. Hirsch became more apparent, the area’s preparedness continue cleanup
Staff Writer Lisa R. Rhodes operations took steps to mitigate the storm’s impact efforts.
Staff Writer Brandon Bieltz on our local communities with a primary focus on Please keep in
Design Coordinator Timothy Davis the safety of residents and the area’s workforce. mind that just
Supple­mental photography provided Regional transit systems, schools, airlines, gov- because the worst
by Patuxent Publishing Co. ernment offices and places of business announced of the storm is
closures. There was a continued focus on planning behind us, there
Advertising for worst-case scenarios and taking proactive steps are still things
General Inquiries 410-332-6300
to do things that could make this difficult situation to remember to COL. Edward c.
better. keep yourself Rothstein
Allison Thompson Garrison Commander
410-332-6850 Allison.Thompson@baltsun.com These proactive steps included the decision to and your family
Michele Griesbauer close Fort Meade on Monday and Tuesday, requir- safe and healthy.
410-332-6381 Michele.Griesbauer@baltsun.com ing only emergency/essential employees to report • Do not drive through flooded roads. Cars can
for work. be swept away or break down.
If you would like information about receiving Soundoff! on Fort Meade or are We did our best to keep the post community • Continue to listen to announcements in local
experiencing distribution issues, call 877-886-1206 or e-mail TP@baltsun.com. informed about weather conditions, closures and media and on our Facebook page to stay abreast
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through what to do in emergency situations. of safety information.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. I appreciate the responses posted on Fort Meade’s • If you lost power, throw away any food that
Printed by offset method of reproduction as a civilian enterprise in the interest of the
Facebook page from community members thank- may be unsafe to eat.
personnel at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, by the Patuxent Publishing Co., a subsidiary ing staff for their hard work and efforts to keep • Be aware of possible structural, electrical or
of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278, every Thursday everyone safe during this storm. gas-leak hazards.
except the last Thursday of the year in conjunction with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office. This is not the first time Fort Meade has had • If you do not know whether your water is
Requests for publication must reach the Public Affairs Office no later than Friday before the to react to severe weather. That said, I could not safe, boil the water before you use it for anything,
desired publication date. Mailing address: Post Public Affairs Office, Soundoff! IMME-MEA-PA, be more proud of the way many of you banded which includes brushing teeth, cooking, drinking
Bldg. 4409, Fort Meade, MD 20755-5025. Telephone: 301-677-1361; DSN: 622-1361.
together during this difficult situation. or bathing.
Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage Fallen trees, disrupted power service and flooded And please take the time to access your emer-
without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, handicap or sex of purchaser, roadways are inevitable when a storm as massive as gency preparedness plan. Sit down as a family and
user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by an advertiser Sandy hits our area. talk about things you can do to improve your plan.
will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. But like other times when we have had to recover If you used items from your emergency kit, now is
from what nature had dealt us, this community has the time to replace those items.
Printed by Patuxent Publishing Co., a private firm, in no way connected with the Department
of the Army. Opinions expressed by the publisher and writers herein are their own and are found a way to come together. My thoughts are constantly centered on the
not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Army. The appearance I am very proud of our Directorates of Emergen- safety and well-being of our community. I urge
of advertisers in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of cy Services and Public Works, our first responders everyone to take ownership for their safety and
the Army of the products or services advertised. whenever we have bad weather, and in knowing my well-being.
operations director is at the helm while our Public Every family should have a home emergency
Affairs Office is ensuring the command messages kit. Your kit should contain essential food, water
are conveyed and the community is involved. and supplies to live on for at least three days. Keep
www.ftmeade.army.mil The storm is over, but you should note that they your emergency kit in a designated location in your
You can also keep track of Fort Meade on Twitter at twitter.com/ftmeademd are still on the job today doing their part to make home and in an easy-to-carry container in case you
and view the Fort Meade Live Blog at ftmeade.armylive.dodlive.mil. sure life as we know it at Fort Meade returns to need to evacuate.
normal. Team Meade doesn’t just talk resiliency, we live
Other post partners, such as Picerne Military it.
Housing, also continue to coordinate efforts to I know this storm presented many of you with
Co n t e n t s repair damages and resume normal operations.
Each time there is a storm I am thankful we have
stress. But I’m also convinced it inspired many of
you to shine, despite the dark clouds.
such dedicated work crews and staff, who immedi- Resiliency is the ability to work through adver-
News.............................. 3 Sports................................... 14 ately assess the damage and work tirelessly to return sity and challenges and find a way to glow in the
things to normal. dark.
Trouble Ticket................ 4 Movies.................................. 19 And even though the storm is over, we’re still in Let’s all find ways to maintain our resiliency and
storm mode. Safety first! Our Emergency Operations be prepared to weather the next storm with all the
Community.................. 17 Classified.............................. 20 Center is still up and running. We continue to access light and power we need.
the damage and we are monitoring the weather Have a great week!
SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

3. News
Hurricane strikes post with minimal damage
By Rona S. Hirsch
Staff Writer
Like much of Maryland, Fort Meade was
spared the brunt of Hurricane Sandy as the
superstorm pounded the Northeast.
By the time the rains and winds tapered off
on Tuesday, the installation was left with minor
damage and a bridge closure.
“The only significant events overnight were
a few trees down and limited power outages
that have since been repaired,” Lt. Col. J. Dar-
rell Sides, Fort Meade provost marshal and
director of the Directorate of Emergency
Services, said Tuesday.
Wednesday morning, residents in the 2900
and 3000 blocks of Potomac Place and Patriot
Ridge were scheduled to lose power temporar-
ily while crews removed some debris off of
power lines.
At approximately 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, the
DES, National Security Agency Police and
state troopers made a joint decision on site to
close Route 198 directly on post boundaries
where the creek by the Wastewater Treatment
Plant flows under a double bridge on 198,
according to the DES.
“Racing water hit the side of one of the
bridges with force, and slow-moving water
covered the far bridge,” Sides said. “The state
assumed control of the bridge closure, and the
State Highway Administration placed barriers Photo by Staff Sgt. Sean K. Harp
on both sides.”
There also was minor wind damage to signs Airmen from the Defense Information School’s Air Force Student Detachment reach up to secure the post flag during Retreat on
and fences across the post that do not pose a Monday at McGlachlin Parade Field.
threat to the community, said Sides.
“Other than the bridge, all operations are 22,844 in Anne Arundel County, while 264,056
normal from the DES perspective,” Sides said. customers had their power restored, including
In anticipation of the storm, the garrison 80,782 in the county.
collaborated with community leaders on and “Still, that was fewer than officials expected
off post. and under the number of outages caused by
“Great teamwork and community response Hurricane Irene last year,” according to The
from our garrison staff, partners, and neigh- Baltimore Sun.
bors inside and outside the fence line,” Gar- Throughout the storm, Rothstein posted
rison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein messages on Facebook, praising the commu-
posted on Fort Meade’s Facebook page. nity for its efforts in advance of the storm to
As the storm intensified, many government minimize its impact:
offices and businesses and all state school sys- “Everyone is working together and taking
tems closed. Garrison leaders closed the post the appropriate precautions. ... Our partner
both Monday and Tuesday, requiring only organizations, garrison staff and most of all,
emergency/essential personnel to report for community, have done great in preparation.
work. Normal operations resumed Wednes- Key to the continued success will be through
day. communications and teamwork.”
“The area’s preparedness operations took Rothstein thanked residents Tuesday for
steps to mitigate the storm’s impact on our staying off the roads during and immediately
local communities with a primary focus on the after the storm:
safety of residents and the area’s workforce,” “I appreciate minimizing the traffic on our
Rothstein said. roads that allow us to focus our care on the photo by Col. jen buckner
According to the Baltimore Gas and Elec- community with minimal delays. ... Thanks
tric Co., 85,710 utility customers were without again for all that you do in being a part of A group surveys the damage from a fallen tree in Heritage Park during Hurricane
power as of Wednesday morning including Team Meade.” Sandy.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

4. N ews
Meade participates in employment town hall
By Brandon Bieltz Closure, including the Defense Informa- some of the frustrations in finding employ- cussing the missions of each organization,
Staff Writer tion Systems Agency and Defense Media ment. what they look for in employees and pos-
With Fort Meade being the largest Activity, also sent representatives to the “Tonight we’re going to spend some time sible employment opportunities. They also
employer in the state with more than 56,000 town hall. with you and help educate you and help you discussed topics such as the proper way to
employees on post, about 450 people filled “Tonight we’re here to talk about BRAC learn more about what Fort Meade — the submit resumes for federal jobs, where to
the auditorium of Arundel High School on and beyond,” said Kirkland Murray, presi- region not just inside the post but outside find job opportunities and the skills that
Oct. 25 to learn what the installation’s agen- dent of AAWDC. “Now that BRAC is over, — has to offer,” he said. organizations are seeking.
cies are looking for in new employees. we want to make sure that we talk about the Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. The meeting was opened up for questions
The Anne Arundel Workforce Develop- job opportunities that are coming to Fort Rothstein served as the guest speaker. In his about the hiring process and concerns over
ment Corporation and Howard County Meade itself and the surrounding areas.” brief remarks, Rothstein said that while he security clearances.
Office of Workforce Development spon- Kirkland said that prior to last week’s is not in the position to hire employees, it Eric Dow, who served in the Air Force
sored the 90-minute employment town hall event, more than 13,000 employment oppor- is his job to provide an “appropriate work for two years and now plans on pursuing
to detail employment opportunities on the tunities were available in Anne Arundel environment” for the 95 tenant organizations a degree in computer information sciences,
installation. County alone. on post. attended the town hall for information about
Representatives from the National Secu- “As this economy gets a little bit better, “There is absolutely growth in this region, jobs in the area.
rity Agency, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care there are definitely job opportunities out there is growth on Fort Meade,” he said. “I The town hall, he said, cleared up many
Center, Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, there,” he said. hope you take advantage and learn what you of the questions and struggles that he has
Chugach Federal Solutions and Clearedjobs. Tim O’Ferrall, general manager of the can from the partners on the installation and encountered in his search.
net attended the meeting. Fort Meade Alliance, moderated the event. off the installation.” “It’s hard to look online,” Dow said.
Agencies that were relocated to Fort During his opening remarks, O’Ferrall said Representatives from the Fort Meade- “[But] when somebody tells you what to do
Meade through the Base Realignment and he hoped the evening would help combat based agencies spent about 40 minutes dis- and where to go, it’s much easier.”
Guidelines on excused Public Notice
absence for voting Notice of Availability: Draft
Environmental Assessment and Draft
By Office of Personnel Management
The federal government has a long-stand-
to report for work three hours after the polls
open or leave from work three hours before
Finding of No Significant Impact
ing policy of granting employees limited time the polls close, whichever requires the lesser The U.S. Army has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment that considers the
off from work (excused absence) to vote amount of time off. proposed construction of a reclaimed water delivery system on Fort Meade to provide the
in federal, state, county or munici- An employee’s “regular work National Security Agency’s main and east campuses with nonpotable water for their cool-
pal elections or in referendums hours” should be determined by ing towers.
on any civic matter in their com- reference to the time of day the Components necessary for the reclaimed water delivery system include a flow-diversion
munity. employee normally arrives at structure on the existing Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant effluent line, a conveyance
Agencies have discretion- and departs from work. main, a water pumping station facility located near the existing Fort Meade Wastewater
ary authority to grant excused • If an employee’s voting Treatment Plant, an elevated water storage tank, and all interconnecting pipework.
absence to the extent that such place is beyond normal com- The proposed water storage tank site is located between main campus and east campus
time off does not seriously muting distance and vote by and is adjacent to existing water storage tanks operated by American Water.
interfere with agency opera- absentee ballot is not permitted, Construction of the reclaimed water delivery system will require approximately 25.5 acres
tions. the employing agency may grant of land disturbance. The conveyance main will cross underneath Little Patuxent River and
Typically, polling places through- excused absence (not to exceed one Route 32, using Horizontal Directional Drilling technology.
out the United States are open for day) to allow the employee to make the This draft EA has been prepared to evaluate the proposed action, the alternative sites for
extended periods of time. Therefore, excused trip to the voting place to cast a ballot. the proposed action and the no action alternative. Implementation of the proposed action
absence should rarely be needed. If more than one day is needed, the employ- is not expected to result in significant environmental impacts, indicating that a Finding of
A number of questions have been received ee may request annual leave or leave without No Significant Impact would be appropriate.
regarding excused absence for the purpose of pay for the additional period of absence. An Environmental Impact Statement, therefore, is not necessary to implement the pro-
voting in the presidential election on Tuesday. For general information on federal pay, posed action in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
In response, the following guidelines have leave and work-scheduling policies, visit opm. Copies of the draft EA and draft FNSI are available for review and comment online at
been issued by the Office of Personnel Man- gov/oca/index.asp. ftmeade.army.mil, at the Medal of Honor Memorial Library at 4418 Llewellyn Ave. and at
agement for agencies to consider when grant- Since policies may differ from agency to West County Area Library in Odenton.
ing excused absence for voting: agency, employees should contact their agency Comments on the draft EA and draft FNSI should be submitted to the NEPA Compli-
• Generally, the Office of Personnel Man- human resources office for information on ance Officer at 301-688-2970 or mailed to Whitman Requardt and Associates LLP, Attn:
agement has advised agencies where the polls their agency’s policy on excused absence for Amanda Baxter, 801 South Caroline St., Baltimore, MD 21231.
are not open at least three hours before or after voting. Requests for copies and/or comments may also be submitted by email to Amanda Baxter
an employee’s regular work hours. Agency field offices should contact their at abaxter@wrallp.com.
The agency may grant a limited amount of appropriate headquarters-level agency human Comments should be submitted no later than 30 days from today’s publication of this
excused absence that will permit the employee resources office. notice.
SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

5. N ews
DISA wins first, second place at DoD CIO Awards
Defense Information Systems Agency address Korea theater of operation infra-
Strategic Communications structure-related issues to ensure 99.99 per-
The Defense Information Systems Agen- cent reliable service. The USFK J6 recognizes
cy was the recipient of two of this year’s the USFK Infrastructure Working Group
Department of Defense Chief Information as the most effective senior communicator
Officer Awards at a ceremony held Oct. 19 forum focused on transport and Defense
at the Pentagon. Information Systems Network services.
Miyi Chung, the deputy commander and Additionally, Chung is credited for pio-
technical director at the DISA Pacific Korea neering new capabilities in the Western Pacif-
Field Office, won the first-place award in the ic region. She served as a catalyst to gain pro-
individual category. gram management office and mission partner
The White House Communications Agen- buy-in for the implementation of enterprise
cy Cyber Operations Team won second place and net-centric solutions including the DoD
in the team category. Visitor Program, GIG Content Delivery
The DoD CIO award is the DoD’s highest Service, and DoD Enterprise Email.
recognition for outstanding achievement in “[Winning] was unexpected,” Chung said.
information management, information tech- “It is an honor to be nominated, and even
nology, information resource management, more so to make it as a finalist. It’s a pleas-
information assurance and cyber security ant surprise.”
achievements by government civilian and The WHCA Cyber Operations Team,
military teams and individuals. which won second place in the team category,
“This is the premier event from the DoD led the DoD and the Presidential Com-
CIO perspective,” said Teri Takai, the DoD munity of Interest in innovation, pushing PHOTOs COURTESY OF THE DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
chief information officer. the edge of technology to provide the best
Takai emphasized the growing importance possible support to the president and the Teri Takai, the DoD chief information officer, presents Miyi Chung, the deputy
of information technology and cyber security warfighter. commander and technical director at the DISA Pacific Korea Field Office, with the
and expressed appreciation to all those work- The WHCA Cyber Operations Team first-place DoD CIO individual award. DISA Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronnie D.
ing in support of the warfighters. became the first DoD unit to develop and field Hawkins Jr. (far left) and event keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, director
“When talking about our warfighters, a new, near real-time, mobile device intru- of the Joint Staff, were also on hand for the presentation of the award on Oct. 19 at
there is nothing more important than com- sion-detection system. The new approach the Pentagon.
munications,” she said. gave the White House Military Office the
The DoD CIO received 102 nomina- ability to instantly detect anomalous activity
tions from around the world, representing on its BlackBerry handheld devices and pro-
hundreds of professionals in DoD. Only 10 vide continuous global monitoring, regard-
nominations were selected as finalists: five in less of device location.
the team category and five in the individual This capability eliminated manual scans
category. with active monitoring, resulting in a reduc-
Nominations were judged according to tion of more than 3,200 man-hours of
their information delivery and dissemination, work per trip — totaling roughly 19,200
management efficiency and effectiveness, cost man-hours on travel missions. Implementa-
avoidance and savings, a broad user base, tion marked the first-ever enterprise-wide
processes, net-centricity and mission. network defense coverage for all BlackBerry
Chung, who won first place in the indi- devices in the WHCA inventory.
vidual category, was selected for her work in Additionally, the WHCA Cyber Opera-
supporting U.S. Forces Korea. Her work with tions Team deployed more than 250 different
USFK ensures warfighters have information applications, enabling significant collabora-
dominance and superiority while operating tion across the PCI networks, including the
in a secure and robust Global Information development of a Common Operational
Grid and cyberspace environment. Picture for use by the White House to directly
Chung coordinated the first IA profes- support the military aides to the president
sional development effort in a sub-unified and the president’s Emergency Operations The White House Communications Agency Cyber Operations Team receives the
command. In that role, she provided and Center. second-place Department of Defense Chief Information Officer team award at a
sponsored more than 80 IA training classes WHCA’s Cyber Operations Team also ceremony held Oct. 19 at the Pentagon.
for 1,500 students across all services, com- takes credit for developing a robust manifest
ponents and agencies. The effort resulted system for Air Force One. The system pro- WHCA branch chief for J3 Cyber Network and give recognition to the DISA and other
in a savings of more than $4.5 million in vides WHMO with the ability to monitor Compliance. “I appreciate that cyber security DoD nominees.
temporary-duty funding across the Western — in real time — the seats available on the is becoming more commonplace and that it is Takai closed the ceremony with words of
Pacific region. aircraft and obtain up-to-the-minute snap- being taken more seriously. It helps us move appreciation and thanks.
Chung also was selected for being a team shots of passengers onboard. our cause along.” “These awards are a token of appreciation
builder and collaborator. She established the “It is an honor to get recognized,” said DISA Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Ron- for all the work that all of you do,” Takai
USFK Infrastructure Working Group to Navy Senior Chief Tanya Whitner, the nie D. Hawkins attended the event to honor said.
SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

6. Improve Lives N ews
th ugh yo
ro ur
Wo rkplace Giving. Fungal infections source
of meningitis outbreak
Please Designate:
Catholic Charities
ofBaltimore
# 54862 By Drs. Anne Burnley with this outbreak. Only one case so far is
and Beverly Maliner associated with Aspergillus. The rest of the
Sarah’ House
s Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center cases are associated with Exserohilum.
# 89505 Undoubtedly, you have read or heard Exserohilum rostratumis is a common
recent reports of persons developing men- mold found in soil and on plants, especially
Our Da Bread
ily ingitis related to contaminated steroid injec- grasses, and thrives in warm and humid
Employment Center tions. climates. Exserohilum rarely causes infec-
# 17581 The investigation is evolving and the tions in people.
numbers of people known to be affected is Exserohilum infections most often occur
My Sister’s e
Plac growing. As of Oct. 26, the Centers for Dis- in people with badly weakened immune
Women ’sCenter ease Control and Prevention reported 328 systems. Even though Exserohilum has been
# 23249 cases in the country with 17 in Maryland. called a black mold, it is very different than
Neither Kimbrough Ambulatory Care black molds that grow in buildings.
cc-md.org/giveatwork
Center nor any of its networked or TRI- Exserohilum rostratum is distributed
CARE partners get medicine from the sup- worldwide and is common on the grass
plier of concern. family. Molds grow well in warm, moist
Fungal meningitis occurs when a fungus environments and can survive extended
infects the protective membranes covering periods of drought.
Central Michigan University’s the brain and spinal cord. Fungal meningitis In general, molds present little serious
Global Campus
is rare and usually caused by the spread of a health threat to immune competent people.
fungus through blood to the spinal cord. However, some people are sensitive to molds
This form of meningitis is not contagious. and may experience symptoms such as nasal
Those infected so far in this epidemic were stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin
inoculated when the fungus-contaminated irritation when exposed to molds.
at Fort Meade medication was injected directly into their
body, which bypassed their usual protective
Other people become very sick, usu-
ally because of very large occupational
mechanisms. exposures or because of underlying serious
Career-focused degrees with Two types of fungi Exserohilum rostra- illness.
knowledge you can use the next day. tumis and Aspergillus fumigatus that are Current information regarding this par-
common in the environment but rarely ticular epidemic and its unfolding investiga-
Master of Science in Administration degree cause meningitis have since been associated tion is available at cdc.gov.
• No GRE or GMAT required
• Weekend classes in compressed terms TRICARE to require only
Classes available at 7 Metro DC centers
• Aberdeen PG • Alexandria
monthly electronic payments
• Fort Belvoir • Fort Meade Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve hnfs.com/content/hnfs/home/tn/bene/
• JBMHH • Joint Base Andrews Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve could enroll/fees/payments.html
lose their coverage if they don’t take steps • South Region:
• Pentagon to switch from their monthly premiums by humana-military.com/south/bene/billing-
check. enrollment/PaymentOptions.asp
They need to file an electronic form of pay- • West Region:
Military Tuition Discounted Rate ment before Jan. 1, 2013. triwest.com/en/beneficiary/enrollmentben-
Beginning Jan. 1, TRICARE will only efits/epay/
CMU is proud to support our military students. For details on
accept monthly premium payments using • Overseas:
CMU’s military tuition discounted rate, visit cmich.edu/military. recurring automatic payments by credit or tricare-overseas.com/TRR.htm
debit card, or by recurring, electronic funds It’s important that beneficiaries note that
transfer from a linked bank account. they may be charged a fee of up to $20 for
Beneficiaries can contact their regional con- insufficient or unavailable funds.
CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
CMU is an AA/EO institution (see cmich.edu/aaeo). 34147 6/12
tractor to set up automatic payments or obtain Failure to pay premiums by the due date
more information. Contact information for will result in termination of coverage effective
each region is available on the TRICARE the last day of the month last paid and a one-
Get it all at CMU’s Global Campus at Fort Meade. contacts website at TRICARE.mil/contacts.
You also may use the following applicable
year purchase lockout.
For more information about TRS or TRR,
Call 301-621-9796 or toll-free 866-588-4188 today! link to visit your TRICARE region to learn visit the TRICARE Health Plan Costs web-
cmich.edu/metrodc CMUglobal@cmich.edu more about TRRTRS payment options: page at http://tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/Costs/
• North Region: HealthPlanCosts/.
SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

7. N ews
Jazz Ambassadors
tour the last frontier
Story and photo by Jonathan E. Agee and Alaska is a critical part of that mission.
U.S. Army Field Band “It’s important we get out to all corners;
Last month, the Jazz Ambassadors traveled we don’t leave anyone out,” McCulloch said.
to Alaska, where they performed a week of “It’s very easy to play locally, and we do a lot
concerts and educational clinics throughout local. But we don’t want the people of Alaska
the state. to think, ‘OK, they’re out there and they have
It was the first time in more than 30 years sort of forgotten about us.’ ”
that the Jazz Ambassadors toured Alaska. The The Army Field Band also has an exten-
19-member ensemble, which formed in 1969 as sive educational outreach program, going
part of the U.S. Army Field Band, was eager into schools and providing instrument-specific
to reach as many people as possible with their instruction for students looking to improve
signature jazz sound. their skills.
Taking into consideration the nearly day- “As a principal, certainly I wanted my kids
long flight into and out of the state, they had and their parents to see what the potential is,”
about five days to engage — and they made said Trevan Walker, principal of Seward High
the most of every second. School. “We’re building a music program here
Traveling more than 1,000 miles on tour, the in Seward and I think the timing is absolutely
band conducted five educational clinics, two perfect. I really do expect this to inspire the
educational assemblies and four concerts. For next generation of musicians from Seward,
many residents, having the chance to see the which was the reason I was so excited to host Chief Warrant Officer 4 William S. McCulloch, director of the Jazz Ambassadors,
Jazz Ambassadors perform was a rare treat. the Jazz Ambassadors here.” salutes service members and their loved ones while the band plays the Armed
“Last night I stood at the door as the The Jazz Ambassadors also coordinated Services Medley on Sept. 21 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
community was leaving. Everyone thanked us with local schools to arrange for outstanding
for hosting,” said Amy Spargo, principal of young musicians to perform onstage with
Wasilla High School. “Some of the veterans the Soldiers during the concert. For some
were excited. They felt encouraged, validated students, the opportunity was the highlight of
and honored by having the group here. Many their young career.
people said it is just hard to get that quality of “My daughter played the trombone with
music in rural Alaska.” them. That was a really fun thing,” Spargo
Chief Warrant Officer 4 William S. said. “She was just a chatterbox last night at
McCulloch, director of the Jazz Ambassadors, home because she got a chance to hear what
said the Army Field Band is tasked to carry she said were ‘some of the best trombone play-
the Army story to the grassroots of America, ers in her life.’ ”
Flu vaccine offers best protection
By Maj. Kerry S. Garth everyone 6 months of age and older. Fre-
Army Public Health Nursing quent hand-washing helps. Staying home
If you have not received a flu vaccine for and away from groups of people when ill
the 2012-2013 season, here are some facts with fever and cough or runny nose also
about flu prevention to help you make this reduces spread.
important decision. If you are an eligible beneficiary who is
Flu season lasts until May. Yearly vacci- not yet vaccinated, options for free vacci-
nation is necessary because the flu vaccine nation include getting it done while seeing
you received last season won’t protect you your health care provider for another rea-
this current flu season. son or getting it at pharmacies and other
Right now is an excellent time to get sites that accept TRICARE.
protected. Your immunity will be in place For more information about seasonal
just in time for holiday travel and get- flu, talk to your health care provider or
togethers. visit the Centers for Disease Prevention
Influenza is a serious disease that causes and Control’s flu website at http://www.cdc. UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND QUENTIN TARANTINO PRESENT A STRIKE ENTERTAINMENT/ARCADE PICTURES PRODUCTION A FILM BY RZA “THE MAN WIEXECUTIVE IRON FISTS” RUSSELL CROWE CUNG LE LUCY LIU
TH THE
more than 25 million illnesses, more than gov/flu/. BYRON MANN RZA RICK YUNE DAVID BAUTISTA JAMIE CHUNG MUSIC RZA AND HOWARD DROSSIN SUPERVISORS G. MARQ ROSWELL CARTER LITTLE PRODUCERS TOM KARNOWSKI THOMAS A. BLISS KRISTEL LAIBLIN
BY
MUSIC
150,000 hospitalizations and more than You may also go to Kimbrough Ambula- BY MARC ABRAHAM ERIC NEWMAN ELI ROTH
PRODUCED
A UNIVERSAL RELEASE
30,000 deaths every year in the United tory Care Center’s Allergy Immunization
© 2012 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
States. Clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Prevention is key. The single best preven- and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and
tion available is an annual flu vaccine for on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF!

8. N ews
Got Milk?
Meade High student
buys cow for village
By Lisa R. Rhodes said the 17-year-old who lives in Laurel.
Staff Writer “They live in houses that rarely have four
Last spring, when Georgia Bussink, then walls. They don’t have any running water or
a junior at Meade High School, learned that electricity. … A cow can completely change
farmers in a village in Thailand were experi- a family’s life. The milk proceeds will directly
encing economic hardships, she decided to benefit the family, and the cow will be bred.
buy the village a cow. Generations to come will be provided for.”
Georgia, now a senior enrolled in the high Georgia and her family hosted a fund-
school’s International Baccalaureate Diplo- raising party at their home in May. They
ma Programme, raised money, traveled to held a silent auction, provided games for
Thailand, purchased the cow and delivered children and served Thai food.
it to the village as part of the requirements The event raised $1,084.
for the IB program’s Creativity, Action and “I figured since we were visiting Thailand,
Service project. I would try to get my community involved in
All students in the IB Diploma Pro- direct global help,” Georgia said.
gramme are required to complete a CAS In late June, Georgia used her own money
project during their junior and senior to pay half of the expenses for her round-trip
years. plane ticket to Thailand, which cost $1,600.
“The purpose of the CAS requirement is Her father, a professional printer, paid the Photo courtesy of Georgia Bussink
for students to enhance their personal and remainder and covered her expenses.
interpersonal development through expe- When Georgia arrived in Thailand, she Georgia Bussink, a student at Meade High School, stands with her uncle Mong
riential learning,” said Jennifer Quinn, IB purchased a 3-year-old cow in Khon Kaen, Junsanit, and Lulu, a cow she purchased for farmers in the impoverished Ban
Diploma Programme coordinator. “CAS is a large city near the village, for $600. The Non village in Thailand. Georgia, who is enrolled in Meade High’s International
both challenging and rewarding.” cow was transported from the city to Ban Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, purchased the cow as part of her Creativity,
Georgia’s aunt, Cherlux Junsanit, is from Non in a trailer. She was named “Lulu,” Action and Service project, a required IB course.
the Ban Non village in Thailand. About 800 Georgia’s nickname.
people live in Ban Non and make their living The remaining funds were donated to Georgia said the experience taught her a some of the villagers through Facebook.
as rice farmers. the village. great deal about what is important in life. There is an Internet bar near the village.
When Junsanit learned that a family in Georgia, who stayed with her aunt in “The people in Thailand seem content After graduation next year, Georgia plans
her village was struggling, she sent money Ban Non and at nearby hotels during their with their lives,” she said. “They seem gener- to study mountain recreation and resort
to help them. She and Georgia then decided two-week visit, said the villagers appreciated ally happier than most people in America, management in college. She also aspires to
to visit Thailand in the summer. Before the the gift. despite their terrible conditions. They love a career in the U.S. Coast Guard.
visit, Georgia thought about purchasing a “I could not understand them very well, their life and accept it. … It was a great “I really felt good about what I was
cow to help the family while meeting the but they seemed very thankful,” Georgia experience that made me appreciate luxuries doing,” Georgia said. “It was a big accom-
requirements of her CAS project. recalled. “We participated in a ceremony and not depend on them so much.” plishment to be able to provide for the fam-
“Most [of the villagers] are very poor,” where they blessed me and the cow.” Georgia said she keeps in touch with ily for generations to come.”
Child care providers must be authorized
Are you providing child care out of your on the installation who wish to provide child the person can continue to provide care to month. The dates will be given to those
home on Fort Meade? care out of their home. those families. attending the pre-orientation briefing.
Are you certified through the Child, Youth Care provided by family members with- If the individual does not actively pursue To sign up for the pre-orientation briefing,
and School Services Family Child Care? out certification through the FCC office certification and successfully complete the call the FCC office at 301-677-1160.
If you answered yes to the first question is considered to be unauthorized care if it process, the child care must stop. Certified homes can be recognized by a
and no to the second, you could be in viola- exceeds the 10 hours per week guidance. The next scheduled amnesty month is sign displayed in the front or side window.
tion of guidance for providing child care on Each year, there are two months that November. If this sign is not displayed in a window
an Army installation. are considered amnesty months in which Anyone wishing to pursue certifica- that can be seen from the street or parking
Those who provide child care out of their anyone who is providing unauthorized care tion may attend a pre-orientation briefing area and children are being dropped off
home on an Army installation for more than can voluntarily come forward and start the Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. During this regularly, it is possible the resident is provid-
10 hours per week on a regular basis must be certification process. briefing, the certification process will be ing unauthorized care.
certified through CYSS Family Child Care. As long as this individual actively pursues explained and the application packet dis- Providing unauthorized care can jeop-
The FCC office is responsible for certifica- certification by turning in the application tributed. ardize eligibility for housing as well as the
tion and monitoring of all family members and attending the next scheduled training, The next scheduled training is later this military career of the sponsor.
10 SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

9. N ews
‘Little Champs’ authors visit Manor View students
By Lisa R. Rhodes
Staff Writer
Debbie Fink and her daughter, Jen-
nifer, authors of a new children’s book
about military children, spoke at Manor
View Elementary School on Friday.
Their visit was part of a national book
promotion tour sponsored by the USO.
The book, entitled “The Little
Champs: Child Heroes Attached to Mili-
tary Personnel,” follows the children of
five service members from each branch
of the military coping with deployments;
saying goodbye; and dealing with a
wounded parent.
The book also includes lyrics from the
song, “The Little Champ,” co-written by
Jennifer Fink.
“The USO recognizes our nation’s
little heroes are often those who need
us the most,” said Susan Thomas, vice
president of USO Warrior and Family
Care. “With the release of ‘The Little
Champs,’ we hope to grant wishes for
these future leaders by acknowledging
their sacrifice and raising awareness for
the challenges they face.”
The USO is supporting the release
of “The Little Champs” as part of the
Grant a Wish for Our Heroes campaign
to honor those who have exemplified
service, sacrifice and strength for the
nation. The organization will provide
6,000 copies of the book for USO centers
around the world.
Debbie Fink, an educator and per-
former who has written other books, will
visit USO centers and military schools PHOTO COURTESY OF USO
to read the book, teach the song and
discuss what makes military children Debbie Fink (center), and her daughter, Jennifer (far right), authors of the book “The Little Champs: Child Heroes Attached to
“champs.” Military Personnel,” discuss the characters with students at Manor View Elementary School on Friday. The visit was part of a
Earlier in the week, all Manor View promotional tour sponsored by the USO.
students were given a copy of the book,
which they read with their teachers in The Finks then led the children in amputee. stand their military-connected peers.
the classroom. singing “The Little Champ” song and The girl said her father was lucky Debbie Fink said she hopes the mili-
At the assembly, students were greeted “The Star-Spangled Banner” as Debbie because he had one arm. tary children who read the book recog-
by Garrison Commander Col. Edward Fink played the violin. “That was her perspective. It is her new nize how much they are appreciated.
C. Rothstein. Donna O’Shea, principal of Manor normal,” said Jennifer Fink, a volunteer Grace Liston, a fourth-grader at
“I read this book from cover to cover,” View, later presented each of the authors for Operation Homefront, a nonprofit Manor View, said she liked the book and
he said. “Aren’t the pictures pretty with a Commander’s Coin of Excellence organization that provides emergency understood how characters in the book
cool?” on behalf of Rothstein. financial aid and other assistance to mili- felt when their parents were deployed.
Rothstein said what is important At the assembly’s conclusion, the chil- tary families and wounded warriors. “My dad’s in Arizona taking classes,”
about the book are the stories it tells dren were treated to ice cream provided She explained that the girl reminded the 9-year-old said. “I miss him, but we
about military children. by the USO. her of the sacrifices of military children call him sometimes.”
“You are all the heroes,” he said. In an interview after the assembly, Jen- and the coping mechanisms they develop Fourth-grader Jaylen Dillard said the
During the assembly, the Finks pre- nifer Fink, who is studying Public Health to deal with the challenges in their lives. book was great and like a character in
sented a brief video featuring photo- Military Studies at the University of The Finks, who reside in Bethesda, the book, he had to say goodbye to his
graphs of military children with their Maryland, said she asked her mother decided to write the book as part of a friends on his school football team when
families. The authors then discussed the to work with her on the book project public health initiative to provide chil- his father, a Soldier, was reassigned.
book’s characters and their different tal- after she met a young girl last summer dren with the tools to deal with military “I think it’s cool to have a book about
ents and hobbies. whose father was a Marine and triple life and to help civilian children under- us kids,” the 10-year-old said.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 11

10. N ews
Ghosts, ghouls and a Goblin 5K
Soundoff! Staff
The ghouls, goblins and all things that
go bump in the night came out early on
Fort Meade this year, alongside story-
book characters and superheroes.
In the days leading up to All Hal-
low’s Eve, the installation celebrated the
spookiest day of the year with several
events for children and adults alike.
Early Saturday morning, runners
donned costumes as they ran in the
Ghost, Ghoul and Goblin 5K Run and
1-Mile Walk at the Pavilion. While cos-
tumes weren’t required, several partici-
pants showed up dressed as superheroes,
monsters and Gumby. Several dogs
dressed for the run as well.
Saturday afternoon, the USO-
Metro sponsored a Harvest Festival
at McGill Training Center. The family
event included a pumpkin patch, moon
bounce, crafts, games, bike giveaways
and a costume contest featuring prin-
cesses, Rapunzel, Buzz Lightyear and a
sultry Cleopatra.
Participants also enjoyed cotton
candy and the magic of “The Amazing
Stanley.”
PHOTOS BY NOAH SCIALOM
TOP: “The Amazing Stanley” performs his magic for the crowd attending the Harvest Festival on Saturday afternoon at McGill Training Center.
BOTTOM LEFT: Six-year-old Hannah Rosine jumps in the moon bounce as she tries to get the attention of her mother, Christa Rosine.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Iris Yoho, 10, who dressed as Cleopatra, has her arm painted at the Harvest Festival sponsored by the USO-Metro.
12 SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

11. N ews
LEFT: Runners bolt from the starting line
at the beginning of the Ghost, Ghouls
and Goblins 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on
Saturday morning at the Pavilion.
BELOW: In costume, Cheryl and Bill
Thomas wait to register for the Ghost,
Ghouls and Goblins 5K Run and 1-Mile
Walk at the Pavilion. Saturday’s run was
the fifth event in the annual Run Series.
BELOW LEFT: A dog wearing a Captain
America suit waits patiently for the
5K run at the Pavilion. Several owners
dressed up their pets for the Saturday
morning run.
photos by nate pesce
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 13

12. S ports
Fort Meade Soldier battles in the ring
By Brandon Bieltz
Staff Writer
After working a full day with the 742nd
Military Intelligence Battalion — and
when most people head home for the
night — Staff Sgt. Andre Ward starts
to warm up.
Following a short drive to Laurel,
Ward changes from his Army uniform
into workout gear much like any other
Soldier for physical training. Only he
adds one final touch — boxing gloves.
While Ward serves as an active-duty
Soldier with the Fort Meade-based mili-
tary intelligence unit, the 32-year-old
also trains as a professional boxer with
the Young Titans Boxing Club in the
evenings.
His training hit a climax Saturday
night as Ward fought in his fourth
professional bout at the Patriot Center
in Fairfax, Va. Ward’s cruiserweight
fight against Mario Flores ended in a
majority draw, bringing his professional
record to 1-2-1.
“It would have been nicer to win,”
Ward said. “I’ll give him the last round,
and maybe some of the third. But I
think I won the first two, if not the
three. I think I did enough to win.”
Training started two months ago as
Ward embarked on the long and rigor-
ous buildup to the fight. The young
boxer’s preparation was led by trainer
and manager Lorenzo Whitehead, who
photo by brandon bieltz
began working with Ward in 2008.
When Ward first started training with Lorenzo Whitehead talks with Andre Ward between rounds of Ward’s professional bout on Saturday night at the Patriot Center in
Whitehead, he said he was beginning Fairfax, Va. Ward’s fight against Mario Flores ended in a majority draw, bringing the staff sergeant’s record to 1-2-1.
from square one, with little skill and
experience.
“I couldn’t throw a punch properly,” tant to you, you’ll find a way to do it.” on the speed bag and endurance with mistakes for Saturday’s bout.
Ward said of his early boxing days. “I In preparation for Saturday’s fight, the jump rope. “I’m going to go in there seeing a full
couldn’t even jump rope for two or three Ward’s routine consisted of jump rop- At the weigh-in Friday night, the 6- scope, being able to apply what I learned
minutes.” ing, bag work, shadow boxing and foot-2 Ward was weighed at 195 pounds. from last time,” he said.
Now, Ward’s daily routine consists sparring two or three times a week. But After the weigh-in, he was able to eat On fight night, Ward’s bout was the
of hourlong jump-rope sessions and because not many boxers are in Ward’s carbohydrates and some sugar again in second of the evening. While physical
bag work for six, four-minute rounds. weight class, he and Whitehead had to preparation for the four-round bout. harm is part of the sport, Ward said
Whitehead said that Ward has become a travel to find sparring partners. Heading into the fight, Ward hoped his biggest concern or fear heading into
solid boxer despite his early struggles. “We’ve had to go out to get spar- to bounce back after a loss in his last the ring is embarrassing himself in front
“Andre has come a very long way,” ring, but we’ve got some good work,” bout and return to his winning ways. of the crowd. The contact isn’t even a
he said. “He’s very dedicated. He’s a Whitehead said. In Ward’s first professional fight, the thought.
workaholic.” In addition to the physical regiment, bout was ruled a draw. Ward called it “Everybody gets nervous,” he said.
Ward credits his improvement and Ward also changed his diet heading into a “moral victory” having gone punch “You don’t think about it, you know
success to his dedication to the sport, the fight by cutting out sugars. Sugar, for punch with an 8-0 fighter. The fol- you’re going to get hit. Floyd May-
giving up time with friends and family he said, slows down fast-twitch muscles, lowing fight, Ward took advantage of a weather [a five-division world champion
to spend three hours in a gym, six days which help generate short bursts of weaker opponent and sealed the victory who has won eight world titles] gets hit
a week. strength or speed such as punching or by knockout. and he’s the best.”
“I’ve sacrificed so much and I’m not running. But following the win, Ward said he Early on in Saturday’s fight Ward
even anywhere in the sport,” he said. In the week leading up to the fight, entered the next contest overconfident took control, dominating the first two
“There’s so much you have to give up to Ward cut back on the heavy workouts and without a game plan and was rounds. But Flores battled back in the
do this. ... If something’s really impor- and focused on hand-eye coordination defeated. He planned to learn from his middle of the third round and took
14 SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil

13. S ports
control of the fourth round.
The fight was ruled a majority draw,
with two of the three judges ruling a
38-38 split.
“It was hard,” Ward said. “You know
what you’re doing in the gym and what
you execute in the gym. You have such
high expectations from what you put in
the training, then go out and not win.”
Ward said that he didn’t implement
all his skills in the fight and needed to
run harder and faster. Even though it
wasn’t a loss, he said it still felt similar
to a loss.
“Maybe I should have thrown a cou-
ple more,” Ward said after the bout. “I
feel like I did enough to squeak out a
win. I may not have won by a large mar-
gin, but I think I did enough to win.”
BELOW: Andre Ward, a staff sergeant
with the 742nd Military Intelligence
Battalion, shadow boxes during training
at the Young Titans Boxing Club in Laurel.
For the past two months, Ward has
been training for his fourth fight as a
professional boxer.
BELOW RIGHT: Andre Ward begins his
bag-work routine during a workout on
Oct. 19 in Laurel. In preparation for his
fight, Ward went for six, four-minute
rounds with the bag during his daily photos by jen rynda
training. Trainer and manager Lorenzo Whitehead ties Andre Ward’s boxing gloves during a training session at the Young Titans Boxing
Club in Laurel. Ward has been working with Whitehead since 2008.
http://www.ftmeade.army.mil November 1, 2012 SOUNDOFF! 15

14. S ports
Jibber Jabber - Opinion Sports Shorts
Disappointed Jones Intramural basketball meeting
A coaches meeting will be held Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at Murphy Field House
There will be no videos linked this — ever. So I for those interested in forming an intramural basketball team for the winter.
week or anything witty quipped or any- spent the rest Each team is asked to send a representative to the meeting. The league will
thing remotely funny mentioned. I’m of the day get- begin Jan. 19.
just too down in the doldrums to be ting pumped for For more information, call 301-677-3318.
cute or sassy or even mildly amusing. the game. I then
If there is anything remotely posi- watched the Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk
tive about my outlook on life right game. The installation’s annual Run Series continues with the Turkey Trot 5K Run
now it’s that Mike from the bowling Bilal summed and 1-Mile Walk on Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. at Murphy Field House.
alley dressed up as me for Halloween, up the experi- Chad T. Jones, The pre-registration cost for individuals is $15. Cost on the day of the run
and the family — like most of Fort ence like this: “I Public Affairs is $25.
Meade — thankfully survived Sandy didn’t think you Officer The pre-registration cost for groups of seven to 10 is $85.
unscathed. knew those kind The pre-registration cost is $40 for a family of three to six people. On the
My sump pump did run for 36 hours of words, Uncle Chad. I like how you day of the event, the cost is $60 per family.
straight, but that is way better than use them.” All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt.
my basement flooding. Plus, the power Unfortunately, the Tigers offense The next run will be the Reindeer 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Dec. 15 at
never went out. So while Sandy was wasn’t the only team in the state that Murphy Field House.
bearing down on my home, I was able was struggling. During commercials, For more information, call 301-677-7916.
to watch a “Friday the 13th” mara- I switched over to the Michigan vs.
thon.
However, despite all that goodness
Nebraska game and was fortunate
enough to see Denard “Shoelace” Rob-
Ski club
and things to be grateful for, I’m hav- inson get injured and Michigan lose. The Sun, Snow, Surf Ski Club at Fort Meade is seeking new members for
ing a very hard time turning my frown Then came Sunday. its 2013 trips.
upside down. What else can I say about the Dal- The club, which organizes a variety of athletic activities including ski trips,
That’s because Sandy’s hurricane- las Cowboys other than I wasn’t sur- bicycling, hiking and social activities, travels across the country and Europe.
force winds couldn’t even blow over prised? The club also sponsors activities in the area.
the fact that I’m recuperating from the I wasn’t surprised that they fell For more information or to join, call Bill Bishop at 301-604-2113 or email
worst sports weekend of my life. behind 23-0. I wasn’t surprised when Hoopsgap@aol.com.
It actually started Oct. 24 when the they came back to take the lead, or
Tigers lost Game 1 of the World Series when the Giants took it back. But EFMP Bowling
to San Francisco and then kept moving mostly, I wasn’t surprised when Dallas
The Exceptional Family Member Program is sponsoring its monthly
downhill on Oct. 25 when they were tried to pass the ball three times in a
bowling event on Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lanes.
shut out in Game 2. row during a potential game-winning
Bowlers up to age 18 will receive a free shoe rental and one game. Older
The in-laws came in from Canada drive when all they needed was one
family members will receive discounted games and shoe rentals.
for Eid, so Friday went well. And after yard for a first down.
Registration is required by Nov. 16.
dominating the games at Chuck E. Now this may be the sports depres-
EFMP Bowling events are the third Wednesday of each month.
Cheese, and introducing my 13-year- sion talking, but I honestly do not
For more information, call 301-677-7836.
old nephew, “Bilal the Impaler” to the know if I can follow the Cowboys
greatness that is Michael Myers on Fri- anymore. Seriously, I’m on the verge of
day night, things were looking up. tossing away 30 years of fandom and NFL Sunday
But then came Saturday. moving on to something new — maybe The Lanes’ lounge is a showing venue for NFL games this football season,
I woke up ready to go to a much- the Ravens. with the exception of local blackouts, on eight, 42-inch high-definition flat-
talked-about Halloween party when all But, trust me. If I do make the screen televisions. Food service and full bar are available.
of a sudden, it hit me. switch, it won’t be because of the For more information, call 301-677-5541.
“I’m not going to that party, fool,” losses. It will be because of the stupid-
I told myself in my best Mr. T. voice ity and the fact that my ulcers just can’t Texas Hold ‘em
huff.to/Y0hfA6. (OK, so I lied about take the Jerrycoaster anymore.
not showing a video clip. But these Of course, the Tigers finished off Texas Hold ‘em no buy-in games are played Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Lanes.
lines flow pretty freely on Wednesdays, their collapse and my weekend. And Games are free and open to the public.
and I’m bound to the rule that any just like that, it was on to worrying For more information, call 301-677-5541.
mention of Mr. T will be accompanied about Sandy.
by a video of Mr. T. It is the least I Since things can only get better, Dollar Days
can do to pay respects to the man who I expect a more upbeat Jibber next The Lanes offers Dollar Days every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
inspired the name for this column.) week. Bowlers receive a game of bowling, shoe rental, a hot dog, hamburger,
Anyway, I told myself that because But until then, if you have comments small fries, pizza slice or small soda for $1 each.
I realized that watching Game 3 in on this or anything to do with sports, For more information, call 301-677-5541.
Comerica Park was more important contact me at chad.t.jones.civ@mail.
than any party, function, birth or task mil.
16 SOUNDOFF! November 1, 2012 http://www.ftmeade.army.mil